West Long Branch Mark Of Excellence Remodeling Inc., based in West Long Branch, is proud to announce their participation again in the  HGTV show Home Rules.  The episode is scheduled to air on Tuesday, May 2^5th at 9 p.m.   Each week the program introduces a new family with an untenable living situation. The Home Rules experts sort out what changes need to be made in their lifestyle and home, and they assemble a team to tackle the unique challenges and reconstruct the perfect home.

Mark of Excellence was selected as general contractor for the remodeling of a home in Middletown that is the focus of the twelth episode of Home Rules.   They had just four days to complete all the necessary demolition, construction and finishing, while the homeowners were sent to stay elsewhere.  The work was quite extensive, and the family was unaware of exactly what changes were being made.

Mark of Excellence Remodeling has been in business for over 20 years, and has developed an outstanding reputation for home improvements.  The company has won a number of both trade and consumer awards and offers customers unique design and build services, green remodeling and professional handyman services.   For more information about Mark of Excellence, please visit www.markofexcellence.com or call 800-734-3737.

On April 22^nd, the EPA has announced it is eliminating the “opt-out” provision that currently allows a homeowner to “waive” the use of lead safe work practices by a renovation firm.  At this time the change has not been published in the Federal Register, so the legal specifics of this modification are not yet available. We hope some reasonable time period has been allowed by which the opt-out can be phased out of practice by contractors, perhaps allowing continued use for at least a 2-3 month period.

At the moment, we are waiting for the actual regulatory text which will have a major influence on the manner in which contractors are expected to address this change.

The EPA has also announced it will require remodeling firms to provide a copy of their records demonstrating compliance with lead safe practices to the owner (or occupant, if different) of the building being renovated.  In addition, the EPA announced its intention to propose lead safe regulations for remodeling/renovations on the exteriors of public and commercial buildings.

Mark Elia

Mark of Excellence Remodeling,  Inc.

Your EPA lead safe certified contractor

Mark of Excellence Remodeling

was the featured contractor on a

4-day EXTREME Remodel for

HGTV’s “Home Rules” episode

Click this link to view the show’s

remodeling portion in detail:

http://tinyurl.com/MoER-HGTV

To schedule your complimentary

design & budget consultation

call or click: 800-734-3737

www.MarkofExcellence.com

Consistent with NARI’s core purpose to advance the remodeling industry’s vital public purpose, protecting the safety, welfare and housing of homeowners is included. Thus, NARI supports the EPA in its effort to protect the public from the hazards of lead poisoning. There is serious concern, however, that the remodeling industry is not nor can be prepared for an implementation date of April 22, 2010. The request for delay was made based on the following:

* The number of trainers is insufficient to certify the agency’s very conservative estimate of 200,000 contractors required.

* Only 14,000 individuals have been certified to date, and seven states reportedly have no trainers.

* The opt-out provision is a significant component of the rule and is under continuing review.

* The EPA has not commenced its planned public awareness campaign; the general public and the majority of contractors are not even aware of the rule.

“Issues like this which affect the remodeling industry and our members cause NARI to become more involved in the government arena” Carter said. “The government does not understand our industry and we must enable that understanding. The leaders with whom we met were receptive and keenly interested. We are hopeful that these key visits will result in a meaningful and necessary relief.”

Until the EPA or Federal government officially announces a delay of the LRRP rule, NARI members who work on homes built prior to 1978 must become certified by the April 22, 2010 deadline. Right now, there is no other alternative.

NARI Chapters are holding training sessions, and members can find additional information on all EPA LRRP-related information at www.nari.org/leadsafety.  NARI will remain active on this issue, and continue to keep members informed of developments.

West Long Branch, NJ…Mark Elia, President of Mark of Excellence Remodeling, Inc. has just been named by the New Jersey Builders Association to the Remodelers Hall of Fame.  The award is presented by the NJBA to one recipient each year for longevity and distinguished service to the association and industry.

Mr. Elia is a graduate of Villanova University with a B.S. in Accounting.  He’s been a member of the New Jersey Builders Association, Shore Chapter since 1987, and has been Vice Chair of their Remodelers Council for the past two years. He also sits on a committee for the National Association of Home Builders; the committee works to raise standards within the industry so that the public can more easily recognize reputable remodelers.  In addition, Mr. Elia is a strong supporter of the local community and has held fundraisers for local Habit for Humanity chapter and the Monmouth County SPCA.

The Remodeler Hall of Fame award will be presented April 15, 2010 at the NJBA’s Awards Luncheon at the Atlantic Builders Convention in Atlantic City.

Mark of Excellence Remodeling, Inc. has been providing outstanding quality and service to homeowners since 1987, offering design + build services for all types of remodeling both interior and exterior.  The company also offers energy audits and handyman services.  Mark of Excellence Remodeling is an EPA certified Lead-safe Renovator, Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified GREEN Professional, and an accredited Building Performance Institute contractor.  For more information about Mark of Excellence Remodeling, visit www.markofexcellence.com or call 800-734-3737.